Abstract

MARIN, José Luis  and  FERNANDEZ GUERRERO, M.ª José. Drug treatment with personality disorders. Clínica y Salud [online]. 2007, vol.18, n.3, pp.259-285. ISSN 2174-0550.

This paper examines the prevailing opinion that personality disorders are resistant to drug treatment since they refer to personality structure and are purely psychological. Then, a review of the most relevant empirically-based theories about the therapeutic power of drug treatments in this respect is made. Although drug treatment is becoming a frequent treatment, no drug has yet been officially determined for this kind of disorders. Based on the above statements, a brief review of biochemical bases of personality disorders and their clinical dimensions (cognitive, affective and behavioural signs), a number of suggestions for drug treatment are made in the form of an algorithm. There is a conflict of interests between what is known and what is unknown about physiopathology of mental disorders, particularly personality. There is the risk that biochemical hypothesis become absolute truths and to overlook corporative interests behind them. Finally, a suggestion is also made for a shift to a patient-centered approach that highlights patient perceived effects of the drug should be taken into account at the time to intervene.

Keywords : Drug Treatment; Clinical Dimensions; Patient-centered Approach.

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